How to Become a Social Worker

It’s common for aspiring social workers to find themselves in a state of confusion. There are four different social work exams and varying requirements from state to state. Where does a person start when beginning down the road of becoming a licensed social worker?

If you think you might like to become a social worker, the first place to start is by getting in touch with the licensing board for your particular state and asking about their requirements. Your state board will be able to tell you what the requirements are in your state regarding education, supervised clinical hours, licensure examinations, and so forth.

To locate the requirements for a particular state or province, visit the ASWB's helpful state-by-state directory with a list of the requirements for each state.

All states require social workers to have a degree in social work, either a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or a Master of Social Work (MSW). Both degrees qualify the student for different types of work, so before beginning your education decide the type of social work you intend to do.

Finally, don’t be afraid to reach out to those who are already working in this profession. Talking to social workers who have already traveled this road will be an extremely valuable part of your own journey.

Further Reading

Everything You Need to Know About the Changes Coming to the Social Work Exams

You’re Never Too Old to Become a Social Worker